Risch, Merkley Introduce Bill to Remove Roadblocks for Youth Corps Public Lands Projects
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced legislation to reduce federal cost-sharing requirements for public lands projects performed by qualified youth or conservation corps from 25% to 10%. “Current cost-sharing requirements prevent youth conservation corps from carrying out important public lands projects,” said Risch. “My bill reduces this
Merkley, Kaine Launch Effort to Protect and Strengthen Federal Student Loan Repayment Options
Washington, D.C. – With affordable student loan repayment options at risk under the Trump Administration, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Virginia’s U.S. Senator Tim Kaine today led their colleagues to launch a new effort to protect and expand federal student loan repayment programs. The Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment (SOAR)
Bynum and Merkley Introduce Legislation to Protect the Deschutes River
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2025. The bill reauthorizes the Deschutes River Conservancy’s (DRC) eligibility to receive federal funding for water quality improvement initiatives and conservation efforts. Since its founding in 1996, the DRC and
Merkley Calls for VA Secretary Shinseki’s Resignation
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement calling for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Shinseki to resign: “The reports of long wait times and cover ups at the VA are 100% unacceptable, and there needs to be accountability. After yesterday’s inspector general report, it is
Merkley Announces $1.55 Million in Federal Grants to Create Jobs by Revitalizing and Redeveloping Oregon Communities
Portland, OR – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today announced that five Oregon communities will receive $1.55 million in new funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redevelop brownfield sites. Communities that were awarded grants include Linn County, Tillamook County, and the cities of Salem, Sherwood and Tigard. These grants will
Senators Merkley and Warren Call on President Obama to Fill Vacant Fed Slots with Strong Financial Reform Advocates
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) – leading voices on the Senate Banking Committee for the Main Street economy and a stronger approach to financial regulation – today sent a letter to President Obama urging him to fill remaining openings on the Federal Reserve Board
Merkley Calls for Congressional Vote on Afghanistan Troop Proposal
WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after President Obama announced a plan to keep nearly 10,000 American troops in Afghanistan after 2014: “After more than a dozen years in Afghanistan, I believe it is time to end the longest war in American history and bring our
Merkley Introduces Legislation to Give Seniors a Raise
WASHINGTON – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today introduced the Fair Raises for Seniors Act in the Senate that would increase Social Security benefits for seniors by changing the cost of living adjustment (COLA) formula to keep up with inflation. The current formula fails to account for the fact that seniors spend
Merkley Delivers Wins for Oregon Veterans and Farmers as Appropriations Bills Pass Through Committee
WASHINGTON – As two appropriations bills moved through the Senate Appropriations Committee today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley delivered key wins for farmers and veterans in Oregon and across the country. Last year, Merkley became the first Oregon Senator to sit on the powerful Appropriations Committee since his mentor Mark Hatfield.
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